ORIENTAL MINDORO | AUGUST 31, 2022 – Twenty-one (21) fertilizer and pesticide handlers in the municipalities of Bansud, Gloria, and Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro were randomly monitored by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Regional Field Unit IV (FPA RFU IV) last August 22-23, 2022.

Of the 21 handlers, 2 were fertilizer warehouses, and 19 were dealers. In addition, the team was able to identify two unlicensed dealers. These unlicensed dealers signified that they would immediately process their License to Operate (LTO) as dealers and follow the protocol of the Agency. They were also able to attend the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training conducted last August 24-25, 2022, as part of the initial requirements for their LTO. 

During the Clean-up Drive (CUD) operation, the team also distributed information materials on the triple rinsing of empty pesticide bottles. Dealers were instructed to display the information materials in an area where farmers could easily see and read them. Further, dealers were advised to be cautious about purchasing their fertilizer products as there were reported incidents of the proliferation of fake products in the market. They were advised to buy only from legit fertilizer distributors in their area. The team urged dealers to report suspected fake and off-specification products being offered to them by agents.

Regional Officer (RO) Suzettie M. Alcaide and the team also discussed the recent issuances and fertilizer regulations with the fertilizer warehouse owners. “Being the major source of fertilizer products in the province, they are committed to follow the Agency’s rules and regulations. Moreover, they assured us that all fertilizer products that they will distribute to their dealers are legitimate,” Ms. Alcaide said.

The team was composed of RO Suzettie M. Alcaide and Provincial Officers (PO) Dexter Oliver O. Leynes, Georlene P. Orbista, Mark Nicky S. Larga, and Allan Jade Rojo. ###